With the 2009 Ulysses XB12X and XB12XT, Buell delivers veritable adventure sportbikes that are dynamic performers on virtually any kind of terrain. These are two models that display distinct personalities and allow creative riders to keep the blood flowing by diversifying the type of rides depending for what kind of adventure they’re in the mood in every different day of the week.
None of the two bikes will be taken to Dakar or at the track, but they are build to cover up an infinite number of miles on tarmac, sand, dirt and gravel, while featuring an absolutely original design.
buell-ulysses-xb12x-xb12xt
- Make: Array
- Model: buell-ulysses-xb12x-xb12xt
2009 Buell Ulysses XB12X/XB12XT
- Make: Array
- Model: 2009 Buell Ulysses XB12X/XB12XT
- Engine/Motor: Thunderstorm® air/oil/fan-cooled, 4-stroke, 45° V-Twin Valves OHV, two valves per cylinder, self-adjusting
- Horsepower: 103 hp @ 6800 rpm
- Torque: 113.9 NM @ 6000 rpm
- Transmission: five-speed
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Introduction
The 2009 Buell Adventure Sportbike line includes two Ulysses models created for riders seeking a motorcycling experience beyond the ordinary. While the Ulysses XB12X and Ulysses XB12XT are designed to perform distinctly different missions, each offers a combination of comfort, versatility and performance that make them among the most dynamic motorcycles on any road today.
The Buell Trilogy of Technology – chassis rigidity, mass centralization, and low unsprung weight – forms the foundation of both Ulysses models. The hollow aluminum perimeter frame is the core of a rigid chassis, and doubles as a 4.4-gallon fuel tank to help lower the center of gravity. For the same reason, the muffler is located below the engine, and the Ulysses swingarm is also does double duty as the oil reservoir. The 103-hp Buell Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin engine is tuned to deliver a broad powerband and the on-demand torque a rider can use in the real world.
An upright riding position, comfortable ergonomics, and rider-focused features like a two-piece windscreen, adjustable suspension and heated hand grips, make these Ulysses models truly multi-function motorcycles, ready for commuting, touring and back-road exploration. Handling is intuitive. The performance is thrilling.
New on Buell Adventure Sport Models for 2009:
Improved Drive Belt – A new Veyance Hibrex drive belt with Flexten Plus technology, based on the belt developed for the Buell 1125R, has increased strength and durability.
Improved Footpegs – New black footpegs have an aggressive sawtooth pattern for optimal foot stability in all conditions and riding positions.
New Ulysses Police model – The Ulysses Police XB12XP is designed for use by government agencies in situations requiring travel on paved and unpaved roads and the agility and performance of an adventure sport motorcycle. It is equipped with police-specific lighting, a larger top case and more-compact side cases, and other special equipment.
History
2009 Ulysses XB12X
With long-travel suspension, generous 6.75-inch ground clearance, and aggressive Pirelli Scorpion Sync tires, the Buell Ulysses XB12X can carry its rider over dirt, gravel and other unpaved road surfaces. On smooth pavement, the XB12X performs as a high-performance sport motorcycle, ready to blitz through the twisties.
A wide Supermoto-style handlebar gives the rider extra leverage and control behind wind deflectors and a two-piece windscreen designed to limit buffeting. The broad, torque-filled powerband of the 103-hp Buell Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin engine gives the Ulysses the ability to proceed at lower speeds over unpaved roads with less gear shifting, and the power to bomb down paved backroads.
Premium Showa front (6.51 inches travel) and rear (6.38 inches travel) suspension is fully adjustable. Rear spring preload can be adjusted by turning a dial located below the left side of the seat. Features that help make the XB12X adventure-ready include the Triple Tail system, which folds through three positions to function as a luggage rack with tie-down hooks over the rear seat position, as a cushioned passenger backrest with grab rails, or as a luggage rack extended over the rear fender. Optional top and side cases are also available for the XB12X as accessory items. A dual front fender system provides debris protection for the rider and the bike. The XB12X is offered with Barricade Orange or Thrust Blue bodywork.
Buell Ulysses XB12X highlights
Test Ride
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2009 Ulysses XB12XT
A premium motorcycle equally adept at long-distance touring and the daily commute, the Ulysses XB12XT combines all-day comfort with intuitive Buell handling and V-Twin muscle in one incredibly versatile bike. Fully adjustable Showa suspension is tuned for travel on pavement, with 4.9 inches of travel front and rear. A spacious saddle offers all-day comfort and has a seat height of 30.7 inches. Pirelli Diablo Strada sport touring tires provide outstanding grip in a wide variety of conditions.
The XB12XT places the rider in a comfortable, upright position behind wide handlebars with wind deflectors and a tall, two-piece windscreen. Removable hard-shell side cases and top case are standard equipment. On the XB12XT, the Triple Tail system functions as a luggage rack with tie-down hooks over the rear seat position or a as a cushioned passenger backrest with grab rails. The XB12XT is offered with Racing Red or Thrust Blue bodywork.
Buell Ulysses XB12XT highlights
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SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Engine: Thunderstorm® air/oil/fan-cooled, 4-stroke, 45° V-Twin Valves OHV, two valves per cylinder, self-adjusting
Bore x Stroke: 3.500 in. x 3.812 in. (88.90 mm x 96.82 mm)
Displacement: 73.4 cu. in. (1203 cc)
Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
Fuel Delivery: 49 mm down draft DDFI III
Fuel injection
Intake: Zero-resistance airbox
Exhaust: Tuned, tri-pass resonance chamber with InterActive valve and mass-centralized mounting
Torque: 84 ft. lbs. @ 6000 rpm (113.9 NM @ 6000 rpm)
Horsepower: 103 hp @ 6800 rpm
Lubrication: Dry-sump
Oil Capacity: 2.5 qts. (2.4 L)
Oil Filtration: Screw-on disposable element
Drivetrain
Primary Drive: Chain, 1.500:1 (57/38) ratio
Final Drive: Constant path, 14 mm pitch aramid reinforced Veyance Hibrex® belt with Flexten® Plus technology, 2.407:1 (65/27) ratio
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate, compensated
Transmission: 5-speed, helical gear
Gear Ratios:
• 1st 2.648
• 2nd 1.892
• 3rd 1.407
• 4th 1.166
• 5th 1.000
Chassis
Frame: Aluminum frame with Uniplanar™ powertrain vibration isolation system, fuel in frame
Front Forks: 47 mm Showa® inverted forks with rearward offset axle, adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Rear Shock: Showa® coil-over monoshock with remote reservoir and remote spring preload adjustment, fully adjustable (compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload)
Wheels:
• Front
Magnesium Tone Powdercoat Reinforced XB-type 6-spoke, ZTL™ cast aluminum 3.5 in. x 17 in. (88.9 mm x 431.8 mm)
• Rear
Reinforced XB-type 6-spoke, cast aluminum 5.5 in. x 17 in. (139.7 mm x 431.8 mm)
Brakes:
• Front
ZTL™ brake, 6-piston, fixed caliper; 375 mm single-sided, inside-out, stainless steel, floating rotor
• Rear
Single-piston, floating caliper; 240 mm stainless steel, fixed rotor
Suspension Travel:
• Front Wheel 6.51 in. (165 mm)
• Rear Wheel 6.38 in. (162 mm)
Dimensions
Overall Length: 85.0 in. (2158 mm)
Overall Width: 35.1 in. (892 mm)
Seat Height (Standard): 31.8 in. (808 mm)
Ground Clearance: 6.75 in. (171 mm)
Rake (steering head): 23.5°
Fork Angle: 22.0°
Lean Angle:
• Soft Contact, Right 39°
• Soft Contact, Left 39°
• Hard Contact, Right 43°
• Hard Contact, Left 40°
Trail: 4.8 in (122 mm)
Wheelbase: 54.1 in. (1374 mm)
Tires (Pirelli® Scorpion® Sync®):
• Front 120/70 ZR-17
• Rear 180/55 ZR-17
Fuel Capacity: 4.40 gal (16.7 L)
Reserve Fuel Capacity: 0.83 gal. (3.1 L)
Fuel Economy (EPA urban/highway test): 51/64 mpg (4.6/3.7 L/100 km)
Weight:
• Dry Weight: 425 lbs. (193 kg)
• Gross Vehicle: 950 lbs. (431 kg)
Weight Rating Load Capacity: 455 lbs. (206 kg)
Electric
Battery (per Battery Council International Rating): Sealed lead acid, maintenance-free, 12V, 12-amp/hour, 200 cca
Charging: 30-amp, permanent magnet, single phase alternator with solid-state regulator (405W @3000 rpm, 405W peak)
Starting: 1.2 kW electric with solenoid shift starter motor engagement
Lights (as per country regulation):
• Headlamps Type (twin quartz halogen ). 55-watt low beam, 55-watt high beam
• Tail/Stop Lights LED 0.36W/3.36W
• Turn Signal Lights 10W manual canceling
• License Plate Light 5W
Instruments
Electronic speedometer, tachometer, odometer; dual tripmeter; high beam, neutral, oil, low fuel (plus, odometer shows miles traveled on reserve), turn signal and engine diagnostic indicator lamps; clock
Colors
Thrust Blue, Barricade Orange
Warranty
Warranty: 24 months (unlimited mileage)
1 Specification for non-U.S. markets might differ. Buell reserves the right to discontinue models or change specifications at any time without incurring any obligation. Vehicle specifications may vary from country to country depending on local laws. Some models are not available in certain countries.
2 Based on tests conducted under lab conditions per U.S. E.P.A. test procedures. Mileage will vary depending on personal riding habits, weather conditions, trip length and vehicle condition.
3 Hibrex® and Flexten® are registered trademarks of Veyance Technologies, Inc.
4 Showa®, Dunlop® and Pirelli® are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
5 Availability may vary from dealer to dealer, and is subject to change without notice.
6 Unladen, wet configuration (no rider, all fluids).
7 Laden, wet configuration (design rider, all fluids).
8 Bottomed-out configuration (100% suspension compression).
9 Without mirrors.
10 Oil capacity at oil change with filter.